Gaetano Donizetti - Songs Vol. 5 (Ermonela Jaho; Carlo Rizzi)

Information

Composer: Gaetano Donizetti

1. La ninna-nonna "Dormi fanciullo mio"
2. Quando il mio ben io rivedrò
3. Il pescatore "Era l'ora che i cieli lente"
4. L'amor mio "Amo sì, ma l'amor mio"
5. È più dell'onda instabile
6. Che non mi disse un dì!
7. Che non mi disse un dì
8. Amor, che nullo amato
9. Giovanna Gray "Io morrò! sonata è l'ora"
10. Eterno amore "Eterno amore e fè"
11. Lu trademiento "Ah tradetore, tu m'haje lassata"
12. Non m'ami più "Non m'ami più"
13. La tradita "Ah! ingrato, m'inganni"
14. Se a te d'intorno scherza
15. La conocchia "Quann 'a lo bello mio"
16. Dell'anno novello
17. Come volgesti rapidi
18. Lamento per la morte di Bellini "Venne sull'ali ai zeffiri"

Ermonela Jaho, soprano

Carlo Rizzi, piano

Date: 2025

Label: Opera Rara

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Gaetano Donizetti, a leading figure of bel canto opera, also composed around 200 solo songs, many of which have long remained overlooked or unknown. A major project by Opera Rara, curated by Roger Parker and led by artistic director Carlo Rizzi, aims to record these works across eight recital albums. The series highlights Donizetti’s importance in 19th-century song, challenging the dominance of German and French traditions. Featured prominently is soprano Ermonela Jaho, whose performances in volumes 5 and 6 demonstrate exceptional expressive depth.

Ermonela Jaho (born 1974) is a leading Albanian operatic soprano, renowned for her intense emotional expression and compelling stage presence. Trained in Tirana and at Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, she launched an international career after winning major competitions. Her repertoire spans baroque, bel canto, and verismo, with acclaimed roles such as Violetta, Cio-Cio-San, and Adriana Lecouvreur. Jaho performs at major venues including the Royal Opera House and Metropolitan Opera. A recipient of numerous awards, she is also recognized for her recordings with Opera Rara and her contributions to the arts internationally.

Carlo Rizzi (b. 1960) is a distinguished conductor known for his versatility across symphonic and operatic repertoires. Since his 1982 debut with Donizetti’s L’ajo nell’imbarazzo, he has conducted over 100 operas, spanning Italian masters and composers like Wagner, Strauss, Britten, and Janáček. He served as Music Director of the Welsh National Opera (1992–2001, 2004–2008) and is now its conductor emeritus. Since 2019, he has also led Opera Rara, focusing on rediscovered operatic works. Rizzi regularly appears at top houses like the Met, La Scala, and Vienna Staatsoper, and continues to lead major productions across Europe and North America.